South Africa: Government Policy & Public Finance

National Treasury has proposed a centralised framework for administering South Africa's estimated R88 billion in unclaimed financial assets, including retirement benefits. The discussion paper outlines a system where a central administrator would manage tracing, record-keeping and claims through a single public portal, with assets potentially transferred to the Corporation for Public Deposits.

South Africa is positioning itself as a key player in the global electric mobility and battery value chains through strategic support for locally developed technologies and intellectual property. Can government-backed research partnerships and mineral resources be successfully converted into competitive industrial applications? The collaboration between academic institutions and industry demonstrates a model for technology commercialisation in the energy-storage sector.

South Africa's Portfolio Committee on Health has begun detailed deliberations on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, with illicit trade and the distinction between combustible and non-combustible products emerging as central concerns. The Committee is considering amendments to address enforcement capabilities and regulatory gaps that could undermine public health objectives.

The recent unexpected publication of new official fees in Mozambique, effective from 26 February 2024, has taken local associates by surprise, with substantial increases.

Uganda has published the Public Finance Management (Amendment of Schedule 4) Instrument 2023. The instrument restricts the pledging of certain national assets to secure loans for Government and exempts...

In Kunene Rampala Inc Attorneys ("KR Inc") v North West Province Department of Education and Sport and Development ("the Department"), the Supreme Court of Appeal...